Adebola Adeoti - Association of Commonwealth Universities Summer School, South Africa

ACU Programme, 2023

“The ACU Summer School was a transformative experience that seamlessly combined academia and adventure, creating a unique and unforgettable tapestry of memories for me.”

Moments

It was an experience that left me with a deeper understanding of South Africa's history and its ongoing journey towards reconciliation. The knowledge that I had acquired together with the friends that I made would forever be etched in my soul. Now, I carry within me not only memories but also the inspiration to be an agent of reconciliation and justice in my own community.

About the programme

The purpose of the program was to explore the profound topic of the Truth and Reconciliation journey of South Africa, delving deep into its apartheid past and the path to transitional justice.

I participated in a guided tour of Stellenbosch University, where I immersed myself in Stellenbosch’s history and the role that the university played in perpetuating racial segregation during the apartheid era.

Visiting Kayamandi and the local library offered a raw and emotional insight into the lives of the black people living in the town and it highlighted the impact of apartheid's forced relocations and racial segregation.

The intellectually stimulating lectures, especially the session on "Sensemaking as a born-free leader in post-apartheid South Africa", improved my knowledge on profound insights into the challenges faced by South Africa on its path to reconciliation and decolonization.

Challenges and how to overcome them

South Africa has been facing significant challenges with regard to power shedding, commonly known as "load shedding". Load shedding is the deliberate, controlled interruption of electricity supply to certain areas to prevent a total collapse of the power grid. I tackled this challenge by ensuring that my devices such as the power bank were fully charged whenever there was a power supply.

Seeing new places

I explored the awe-inspiring Cape Point Lighthouse which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and also saw a part of Table Mountain National Park .

I also visited the adorable penguins at Boulders Penguin Colony which provided moments of appreciation for the country's natural beauty.

I also visited the South African aquarium, where I marvelled at the diverse aquatic creatures inhabiting the waters. Additionally, I took the opportunity to learn more about the apartheid era at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation house, gaining valuable insights into South Africa's history.

Advice

I highly recommend this enriching opportunity to anyone interested in acquiring knowledge about transitional justice, both within and beyond the confines of a classroom.